The
Outdoor
Classroom
Inspire Learning, Start Exploring
Est. 2021
The Outdoor Classroom is an educational institution, offering a unique and enriching variety of learning opportunities in an outdoor setting. Our purpose is to serve the individual needs of every child, to enable them to thrive in their lives. It is our passion to assist children throughout their journey to a happy and healthy childhood.
Testimonials
"A wonderful week outside, the kids had a great time""Super camp organisation, the girls loved the camp""We loved everything""Really great organisation""lt is a great activity for the kids, they love it""Our daughter is so excited to join the summer camp again this year""An amazing time and learns lots. She always comes back with a smile and has lots of fun""Absolutely loves it and all the activities you are doing""Our son had a great time, came home with a big smile on his face""A big thanks for all that you are doing. Our child is very happy to come each week""Thanks heaps for your hard work and professional approach""Thank you for all that you do, he talks so fondly about his time at the forest school""Our daughter really enjoys forest school and couldn't stop talking about it""My boys are very happy at the outdoor classroom"
Contact Us...
For enquires, please contact us. We are happy to hear from you.
About Us
The Outdoor Classroom was founded in 2021. Our professionally developed concept, internationally influential experiences and safe practices ensure that each child receives the utmost care while benefitting from a truly unique outdoor programme.By using an outdoor environment, children experience a sense of nature. We believe that learning outside the traditional classroom setting fosters creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. From nature walks and wildlife spotting to gardening and outdoor games, we offer a diverse range of activities that keep children engaged and excited about learning.We offer a range of activities for children to develop and practice their language skills in English. Our native English speaking teachers make learning a new language engaging and interesting, enabling your child to develop their communication and language skills quickly. At The Outdoor Classroom, we understand that every child is unique. That's why we tailor our activities to suit different interests and abilities, making sure that every child feels included and valued.Qualified teachers and support helpers are their to inspire learning. Small groups allow the teacher to discover each child's motivation to learn. The teacher's role is to inspire learning through providing play opportunities, asking questions and exploring. Our approach focuses on hands-on learning and exploration, helping children to develop important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Our dedicated and experienced educators are committed to serving the individual needs of every child, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Hi, I'm Sally Draffan
Sally, founder of The Outdoor Classroom: an enthusiast about children's education, physical and mental well-being and the outdoors. Many years of international experience working with children of all ages, contributing as children thrive when provided a fitting environment. It's my mission to promote outdoor learning, through providing educational programmes for children. I support each child's journey of discovery with a core focus on health and well-being.
Camps 2026
The Outdoor Classroom provides day camps during Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn public school holidays in Zurich. Daily activities and excursions for children aged 4 - 10 years, sign up now for an unforgettable holiday packed full of new adventures. With an 85% return rate, our camps are highly recommended by parents and children.
Summer Camp 2026
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detective day | Life on Mars | Sports day | Cooking day | Forest day |
| Forest day | Survival skills | Bake sale | Culture day | Woodwork |
| Volunteer day | Book day | Animal day | Forest day | World day |
| Art day | Team building | Forest day | Tech day | Photography |
| Architect day | Forest day | Swiss day | Circus day | Craft day |
Foundation
Our Global Education ProjectPlanting the Seeds of Learning – One School at a TimeAt The Outdoor Classroom, we believe that every child, no matter where they are in the world, deserves a great start in life. That’s why we’ve launched a new non-profit initiative aimed at improving early years education in communities that need it most. Our mission is to provide an education that facilitates learning and development as part of a safe, happy and healthy childhood.Through this project, we send passionate, experienced teachers to schools around the world. These educators work hand-in-hand with local individuals and institutions, sharing resources, developing learning strategies, and building creative ideas to help every child thrive.It’s all about planting seeds for a brighter future - through play, quality learning and creating enabling environments.How You Can Help?This project is powered by people like you. Parents, families, and communities who care deeply about giving all children a fair start. Whether it’s through a donation, fundraising, or simply spreading the word - you can make a difference.Together, we can create outdoor classrooms with laughter, curiosity, and opportunity - wherever they are in the world.Ready to get involved?Contact us for more information. We welcome expertise and educators who wish to get involved, funding to propel this initiative globally, and schools that want to contribute to our mission.
Blog
We are proud to say that our projects make a difference internationally. Take a look at some of the wonderful collaborations The Outdoor Classroom has proudly participated in. For enquiries, please contact us directly.
Forest School – Zurich, SwitzerlandOur Forest School programme in Zurich has allowed us to connect children with nature in meaningful, lasting ways. Through hands-on exploration, seasonal learning, and child-led discovery, we created a space where young learners can build confidence, resilience, and environmental stewardship. This helped families and the wider community see the profound impact that outdoor education can have on emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Guest Lectures on Outdoor Philosophy – Eastern Connecticut State University (USA)As guest lecturer at Eastern Connecticut State University, I offered students the chance to explore the philosophical foundations of outdoor learning. Together, we examined how nature shapes human understanding, creativity, and wellbeing, and how educators can incorporate reflective outdoor practice into their teaching. This helped future educators and environmental advocates deepen their awareness of the pedagogical dimensions of learning outside the classroom.
After School Club – Zollikon, SwitzerlandIn Zollikon, our After School Club welcomed an imaginative environment where children can learn through play. By integrating activities, creative projects, and social skill-building, we supported children in discovering their strengths while forming meaningful connections. This collaboration strengthened the community by giving young learners a nurturing space beyond school hours.
Forest School Training – Sheffield, United KingdomParticipation in the Forest School Training programme in Sheffield empowered educators and aspiring outdoor practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to bring high-quality nature-based learning to their own communities. Through hands-on workshops, risk-benefit training, ecological awareness, and reflective practice, participants gained the confidence to design and lead their own Forest School sessions. This has helped expand the global network of meaningful outdoor education.
Waldtag (DE) – Chinderhuus Jota Nido, SchweizUnser Waldtag in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Chinderhuus Jota Nido bietet den Kindern einen festen Tag in der Natur, um zu entdecken, zu spielen und neue Fähigkeiten zu entwickeln. In Anlehnung an die Tradition der Waldpädagogik liegt der Fokus darauf, Selbstständigkeit, Teamarbeit und einen respektvollen Umgang mit der Umwelt zu fördern. Diese Partnerschaft schafft einen fröhlichen, wöchentlichen Rhythmus, der eine gesunde kindliche Entwicklung unterstützt und die Verbindung der Kinder zur Natur stärkt.
Forest Day Sessions – Spielhuus Elefant Witikon, SwitzerlandWorking with Spielhuus Elefant Witikon, we provided a Forest Day Programme that brings children into the heart of the natural world each week. The programme encouraged curiosity, sensory learning, and exploration, allowing children to develop a deep relationship with the local landscape. This partnership has enriched the centre’s curriculum with authentic, outdoor-based learning and unforgettable experiences.
Volunteer Work with the Elderly – Zurich, SwitzerlandOur social action project to work with the elderly in Zurich has been a heartwarming opportunity to build intergenerational connections. Through conversation, companionship, games, and time spent together, we aim to bring joy, presence, and social engagement to older community members. This work reflects our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of people across all stages of life.
Wildtierschutzprogramm mit Igeln – Zürich, SchweizUnsere Freiwilligenarbeit mit lokalen Igelorganisationen in Zürich konzentriert sich auf den Schutz und die Rehabilitation dieser liebenswerten Wildtiere. Diese Zusammenarbeit unterstreicht unser Engagement für Umweltschutz und den Schutz heimischer Wildtiere.
Gallery
